Diaper pail



May 31, 1966 M. BERK ETAL 3,253,435

DIAPER PAIL Filed April 4, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Iill 41% [far/2r y 1, 1966 M. BERK ETAL 3,253,435

DIAPER PAIL Filed April 4, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent 3,253,435 DIAPER PAIL Marianne Berk, 5816 N. Lincoln Ave, and Anna Janssens, 2601 W. Catalpa, both of Chicago, Ill. Filed Apr. 4, 1963, Ser. No. 270,643 4 Claims. (Ci. 68-481) Our invention relates to receptacles for storing and washing relatively small items, and particularly to a compartmented container for storing and washing soiled diapers or similar objects.

Allexisting diaper pails of which we are aware do little more than serve as a receptacle for soiled diapers until they are washed. Prior to washing of the diapers it is desirable that they be soaked, bleached, deodorized and rinsed from the soiled matter such as urine or vomitus from a babys clothing and bedding. It would be a great convenience to households having infants or incontinent children and adults to be able to do all of the above-mentioned steps in the bathroom and to do it without handling the clothing or water. Strong detergents or soaps are often necessary to properly and thoroughly clean diapers, and these strong cleaning agents can have very deleterious effects on the users hands.

Accordingly, a primary object of our invention is to provide a receptacle which may be used to store, deodorize, bleach and wash objects, such as soiled diapers, and to do so Without handling the soiled objects, or exposing the users hands to the wash water and washing agents.

Another object is to provide a receptacle which, in addition to the above object, can be used to wash delicate fabrics, 'such as lingerie.

A further object is to provide a receptacle which can be economically yet sturdily made, and which can be easily nested with similar receptacles so as to minimize storage and handling problems and shipping costs.

Yet a further object is to provide a receptacle which is self-cleansing and drying.

Another object is to provide a receptacle which may be used, without change, to wash solid objects such as vegetables in addition to the fabric type articles mentioned above.

Yet another object is to provide a receptacle having component parts which can quickly and easily be disassembled for cleaning, it necessary, and just as easily reassembled by users having little mechanical aptitude.

Another. object is to provide .a multi-purpose receptacle having component parts which can be molded or otherwise formed either integrally or separately, thus permitting the choice of manufacture methods to be dependent on considerations other than the structural shape of the "ice FIGURE 2 is a section taken substantially along the line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a section taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a top view of the disc or auxiliary bottom;

FIGURE 5 is a partial view showing a modified form of an intake pipe;

FIGURE 6 is a detail view taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a top view of another embodiment of our invention;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view through another embodiment of our inventionj FIGURE 9 is a top view of the internal bucket of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a side view of the internal bucket of FIGURES 8 and 9; 7

'FIGURE 11 is a partial elevation of another arrangement for supporting the removable bucket above the bottom; and

FIGURE 12 is a view of a swisher, or stirring means, for use in any of the disclosed embodiments.

Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts throughout the following description of the drawmgs.

Referring first to FIGURE 1 our multi-purpose receptacle is indicated generally at Iii. The receptacle includes a container 11 and a removable top 12 which, in this instance, is loosely fitted on the top edge of the container Ill. It should be understood however that within the scope of our invention a lock type top may be employed. The'illustrated form is especially well adapted for diaper pail use because it may be removed and replaced with one hand. A pair of primary container handles are indicated at 13a and 1311, a secondary handle at 14, and a top handle at 15.

Referring now to FIGURE 2 the container is shown as including a generally upwardly extending wall structure 16, which in the FIGURE 2 embodiment, is circular in contour. It should be understood however that the contour of the container may be varied within the scope of our invention. It may well be that a configuration such as that of FIGURE 7 may be more convenient in certain instances such as when the receptacle is to be placed fiat against a wall next to a toilet, or between a toilet and wash bowl where the available area is small.

The wall structure terminates, at its lower end, in a contiguous bottom 17. As best seen in FIGURE 2 the bottom has a high side, or area of maximum elevation, and a low side, or area of minimum elevation. In this instance the bottom is planar and is inclined from 'high area 18 to low area i) but it should be understood that within the scope of the invention any suitable bottom contour can be used so long as it functions to drain all water or fluids in contact with it towards a low point. In this instance a drainage groove or channel 20 has been molded about the periphery of the bottom.

A plurality of legs are indicated at 9.

A generally disc shaped member which forms an auxiliary bottom to the container is indicated generally at 21. The disc has a plurality of apertures 22 and a plurality of upwardly projecting members 23 extend-ing from its upper surface. The disc rests upon an annular ledge 24 formed about the inner periphery of the wall struc- =3 ture 16. This disc is maintained in place by an angular over-hanging rim or flange 25. A plurality of over hanging projections or fingers or any other suitable means may be employed to maintain the disc 21 spaced upwardly above the contiguous bottom 17.

Our receptacle is indicated as formed from plastic. It will be understood, however, that any other suitable material may be employed, such as rubber or metal. One advantage of using a softer, somewhat pliable material such as plastic or rubber is that the disc 21 can be easily forced downwardly past the inclined surface on the upper side of flange 25 into a seated position. Further, the receptacle generally can be most easily molded from rubber or plastic. Similarly although a smooth circular outline has been shown on the disc 21 it will be understood that a bayonet type locking edge may be employed.

The disc 21 is cut out at an area indicated generally at 28. This cut out area fits about the intake pipe indicated generally at 29. The upper end of the pipe extends from a point slightly below the top edge 36 of the wall structure downwardly to a space 31 between the bottom 17 and disc 21. In FIGURE 2 the water or intake pipe is integrally formed with the wall structure. An outwardly and upwardly extending lip 32 which acts as an overflow barrier to objects within the container is formed in the upper edge of the pipe. A plurality of overflow holes 33 are located near the upper end of the pipe and a roughened surface is indicated at 34.

The low point or outlet 19 terminates in a screw threaded spout 35 which receives a removable screw cap 36. It should be understood, of course, that within the scope of our invention any suitable outlet and closure means may be employed.

The wall area around the outlet 19 is indented as at 37 to provide a pleasing effect and at the same time provide easy access to the screw cap for turning it on or off the outlet spout.

An alternate form of intake pipe is illustrated in FIG- URE 5. In this instance the pipe is removable, which, under certain circumstances, is a great advantage. Although any suitable removable structure may be employed we have illustrated a roughly semi-circular pipe 40 which terminates in flanges 41, 42;. The flanges in turn are received between the wall structure 16 and mating, overlying flanges 43, 44. It is thus apparent that the removable pipe 4% can be slid into and out of position along the wall structure 16. Once in position it is securely held by the flanges 43, 44.

In FIGURE 6, the lip 32, overflow holes 33, and roughened surface 34 are illustrated in a front view. In this instance the roughened surface consists of a plurality of bumps or projections 45 which may extend a substantial distance downwardly, or the entire length of, the intake pipe 40.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGURE 7. In this instance the circular configuration has been changed to a modified half-circle having a flat side 48. With this construction it is possible to place our receptacle flat against a wall which is a significant space saver when the receptacle is used in a crowded area such as a bathroom.

An alternate embodiment of our invention is illustrated in FIGURES Sthrough 10.

In these figures a separate, removable bucket is received within the outer receptacle 51. Bucket 50 forms an inner compartment or chamber similar to the chamber formed by the wall structure and disc 21 in the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 6.

In this instance the wall structure 52 terminates, at its upper end, in a beaded edge 53. The upper edge of the bucket terminates in a reverse curve lip 54 which rests upon beaded edge 53- of the outer receptacle. The generally circular wall 55 of the bucket has a plurality of apertures 56 formed therein. The bucket bottom 57 similarly has a plurality of apertures 58. An indentation 59 is formed in the bucket bottom and a corresponding projection 60 in the receptacle bottom. This provision of an indentation and mating projection provides stability to the bucket when placed within the receptacle. It should be understood however that the projection and indentation can be reversed if desired. .The rim or feet member, indicated at 61, enables the bucket to be selfsupporting when removed from the receptacle.

A water channel 62 is formed in the upper edge of bucket 50. In this instance the channel is reversely inclined with respect to the downward and inward taper of the bucket wall, but it should be understood that within the scope of our invention any suitable channel configuration can be employed. In any event the outlet of the channel, which in this instance extends only part-way down the bucket wall, opens into communication with the space beneath and about the lower portion of the bucket.

The apertures 56 are formed in groups separated by band shaped areas 63, 64 of solid material as best seen in FIGURE 10. This arrangement of apertures and solid material provides a very sturdy construction.

A handle is indicated at 65.

In FIGURE 12 we show means for supplementing the cleansing action. In this instance a swisher or paddle-like stirring spoon is illustrated. The swisher comprises an elongated handle portion which terminates, at its upper end, in a hook 81. The hook is of a size sufiicient to hang the swisher from the intake pipe or wall structure. Immediately below the hook 81 is a roughened, thickened portion 82 which provides a convenient grasping area. The other end of the handle portion terminates in an oblong, generally oval-shaped spoon-like portion indicated at 83. The width of the spoon-like portion is greater than the width of the handle portion. A plurality of apertures 84 are formed in the oblong portion for the free flow of solution therethrough.

The use and operation of our invention is as follows:

Referring first to the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 7, and assuming the'receptacle to be used as a diaper pa-il, bleach or other disinfectant is first inserted into the bottom of the unit. This may be easily done by pouring it down the intake pipe 34 or directly through the apertures 22 in the auxiliary bottom 21. The odor killing vapors go through and around the soiled diapers or other fabrics deposited in the compartment formed above the bottom 21, completely deodorizing them.

When it is desired to clean the soiled diapers the homemaker merely lifts the receptacle by handles 13a and 13b and places it under a water tap, such as the spout in a bathtub.

The primary handles 13a and 131) are located at a level which is convenient for an adult to grasp. Often the homemaker will have a toddler or young child who wishes to help his mother. In this event the helper can grasp the secondary handle, or handles, 14 and assist in carrying the receptacle from place to place. The secondary handle is located at a level which is convenient for a child of tender years to grasp.

The receptacle is filled with water through the intake pipe 34. The bleach or disinfectant which is already present in the space 31 will dissolve and be distributed evenly as the solution goes upwardly and through the diapers.

To rinse the diapers the unit is merely placed in the bathtub or laundry tub or other drain area. The cap 36 is unscrewed and the water drained out. Thereafter clear water may be admitted to the intake pipe and again drained through the outlet. This may be repeated as many times as necessary, until the diapers and clothing are clean and fresh.

Detergent as well as bleach may be admitted through the intake pipe prior to the first filling. The solution may be stirred with the swisher of FIGURE 12, if necessary. It will thus be seen that hot water and strong detergents, which are necessary for diaper washing, need never come in contact with the user and thereby roughen the hands of the user.

Should it ever become necessary to clean the parts, the user merely grasps the upwardly extending projections 23 on the bottom disc 21 and forces the disc past the overhanging lip 25 with a slight tug.

If the removable type intake pipe of FIGURES 5 and 6 is used, it is only necessary to slide the pipe 40 upwardly and then remove the auxiliary bottom structure 21. After cleaning, the parts are reassembled in the reverse order or perhaps in any order if cut out area 28 is sufliciently large to clear the flange structures 41-44 which position the intake pipe.

The same procedure is fOllOlWGd in the embodiment of FIGURES 8 to 10. That is, bleach or other disinfectant is deposited in the receptacle through intake channel 62 prior to washing. When the diapers are ready to be washed, additional bleach and perhaps detergent or other washing material is again fed through the channel 62 and the bucket filled with hot water. There are no holes directly beneath the channel 62, as best seen in FIGURE 10. The provision of a solid wall in that area aligned with the channel 62 eliminates the possibility of strong chemical solution flowing onto the soiled articles before it reaches the bottom of the pail.

If the user wishes to sWiSh the diapers about in order to loosen material it is only necessary to grasp the handle 65 and jostle the bucket 50' up and down. Alternately, the user may rotate the bucket, or rotate it simultaneously with jostling up and down to provide maximum cleaning action. The beaded edge '53 and rim 54 act as a stabilizer during rotational movement. The indentation 59 and projection 60 similarly tend to stabilize the bucket, and indentation 68 and flat-topped projection 70 of FIGURE 11 even more so. In fact, the FIGURE 11 embodiment provides maximum stabilization.

The entire unit may be placed beneath a faucet in a bathtub as in the case of the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 5 for drainage and rinsing.

The overflow feature shown best in FIGURES 2, 5 and 6 may be incorporated into the embodiment of FIGURES 8-9. The overhanding lip 32 prevents .the diapers or other fabrics from overflowing into the intake pipe and the holes 3 3 act as overflow apertures. Should some of the diapers have material which is diflicult to remove by alternate filling and draining, the user may scrub the diapers along the roughened surface 45 which, for convenience, is placed on the intake pipe 34. 1

One great advantage of the removable intake pipe is that the units may be more easily nested one within the other for shipment, and storage and handling problems and shipping costs thereby very materially reduced.

Either unit may also serve for continued use after the diaper stage has passed for training panties and mishaps as well as for incontinent children and adults.

One very important feature is the sloped bottom 17. The incline hastens emptying of the wash and rinse waters and no water or residue is left in the bottom of the pail to breed odors. Therefore the unit is selfcleansing and drying.

Although our invention has been described in connection with soiled diapers, it will be at once appreciated by those skilled in the art that the use of our receptacle is not so limited. We contemplate for example that it may be used by housewives in areas in which fresh vegetables commonly contain dirt on their surfaces. By merely dumping a bag of potatoes in the receptacle, particularly the embodiment of FIGURES 8 through 10, and swishing the potatoes around, the dirt will be loosened and caused to flow outwardly through the outlet.

By making some parts separate, particularly the disc and the intake pipe, cleaning is facilitated and there is the advantage of being able to provide replacement parts if one or the other of the disc or pipe is damaged, rather than discarding the entire receptacle.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will at once be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without any departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is the intention that the scope of the invention should be measured, not by the scope of the exemplary description, but solely by the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in the light of the pertinent prior art.

We claim:

1. A multi-purpose receptacle for storing and washing soiled diapers and the like, said receptacle, including, in combination,

generally upwardly extending wall structure terminating, at its lower portion, in a contiguous bottom, the wall structure and bottom forming a water retaining container of substantial depth,

said bottom having an area of maximum elevation and an area of minimum elevation, an outlet at the area of minimum elevation and closure means therefor, a storage bucket within the container, said storage bucket having generally vertically upwardly extending walls which terminate, at their lower portion, in a bottom structure, and a cover for the wall structure which, when placed on top of the wall structure, covers the wall structure, said storage bucket walls and bottom being apertured to. permit free flow of water therethrough to thereby enable objects in the storage compartment to be exposed to water, said water flow path formed in the generally upwardly extending sidewall of the storage bucket enabling water to flow generally radially inwardly towards objects located therein, means carried by the upper end of the storage bucket for re-movably securing the'stora-ge bucket to the container, a water flow channel formed in one side of the storage bucket, a a protrusion on the container bottom extending upwardly substantially adjacent the center of said container bottom, and a corresponding indentation in the bottom of the storage bucket which, when in engagement with the protrusion, enables the inner storage compartment to be supported above the container bottom, said water flow channel communicating with the space between the container bottom and the storage bucket. 2. The multispurpose receptacle of claim 1 further characterized in that the wall of the storage bucket is solid in the area beneath the water flow channel to thereby prevent inward flow of fluids passing down the water flow channel through the storage bucket walls.

3. A multi-purpose receptacle, said receptacle including, in combination,

generally upwardly extending wall structure terminating, at its lower portion, in a bottom, the wall structure and bottom forming a water retaining container of substantial depth, said bottom having an area .of maximum elevation and an area of minimum elevation, said bottom further having an outlet in the area of minimum elevation and closure means therefor, the area of maximum elevation being substantially above the area of minimum elevation to facilitate downhill travel of materials in a flow path passing through the outlet and out of the receptacle, an auxiliary bottom structure spaced above the outlet, said auxiliary bottom structure forming the lower end of a storage compartment, means forming a plurality of water flow path-s through the storage compartment which enables objects in the storage compartment to be exposed to water, said means including water flow paths formed in the generally upwardly extending side walls of the storage compartment to thereby enable water to flow generally radially inwardly towards objects located therein, 410,744 9/ 1889 Sprague 68-207 said storage compartment "and its auxiliary bottom 433 33 5 9 1 92 Whiteley 5 X structure being spaced upwardly from the container 639 844 12/1899 Brown X bottom by an interfitting indentation and projection associated with the auxiliary bottom of the storage 5 807O04 12/1905 Whlttemore 68 213 Compartment and the container. 958,948 5/1910 Walther 134-186 4. The rnulti-purpose receptacle of claim 3 further in- 1,054,990 3/1913 Schwoerer 68-181 cluding means for reciprocating the storage compartment 1,282,033 10/1918 Hessler 68 122 generally vertically with respect to the container. 1 664 792 4/1928 Rufiner 68 53 10 1,949,287 2/1934 Tschammer 68-207 References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS IRVING BUNEVICH, Primary Examiner. 405,509 6/1889 Smith 68-197 

3. A MULTI-PURPOSE RECEPTACLE, SAID RECEPTACLE INCLUDING, IN COMBINATION, GENERALLY UPWARDLY EXTENDING WALL STRUCTURE TERMINATING, AT ITS LOWER PORTION, IN A BOTTOM, THE WALL STRUCTURE AND BOTTOM FORMING A WATER RETAINING CONTAINER OF SUBSTANTIAL DEPTH, SAID BOTTOM HAVING AN AREA OF MAXIMUM ELEVATION AND AN AREA OF MINIMUM ELEVATION, SAID BOTTOM FURTHER HAVING AN OUTLET IN THE AREA OF MINIMUM ELEVATION AND CLOSURE MEANS THEREFOR, THE AREA OF MAXIMUM ELEVATION BEING SUBSTANTIALLY ABOVE THE AREA OF MINIMUM ELEVATION TO FACILITATE DOWNHILL TRAVEL OF MATERIALS IN A FLOW PATH PASSING THROUGH THE OUTLET AND OUT OF THE RECEPTACLE, AN AUXILIARY BOTTOM STRUCTURE SPACED ABOVE THE OUTLET, SAID AUXILIARY BOTTOM STRUCTURE FORMING THE LOWER END OF A STORAGE COMPARTMENT, MEANS FORMING A PLURALITY OF WATER FLOW PATHS THROUGH THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT WHICH ENABLES OBJECTS IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT TO BE EXPOSED TO WATER, SAID MEANS INCLUDING WATER FLOW PATHS FORMED IN THE GENERALLY UPWARDLY EXTENDING SIDE WALLS OF THJE STORAGE COMPARTMENT TO THEREBY ENABLE WATER TO FLOW GENERALLY RADIALLY INWARDLY TOWARDS OBJECTS LOCATED THEREIN, SAID STORASGE COMPARTMENT AND ITS AUXILIARY BOTTOM STRUCTURE BEING SPACED UPWARDLY FROM THE CONTAINER BOTTOM BY AN INTERFITTING INDENTATION AND PROJECTION ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUXILIARY BOTTOM OF THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT AND THE CONTAINER. 